Campaign questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
What the campaign was, how the grants worked, where the money went, and what this archive does and does not represent.
What is Kids Are Worth A Million?
It is a fundraising campaign of the Carlsbad Educational Foundation, launched in January 1997 to raise $1,000,000 for state-of-the-art technology in all ten Carlsbad Unified School District schools. The money paid for teacher-requested equipment, school computer networks, software, training, and services.
Who runs the campaign?
The Carlsbad Educational Foundation is the parent organization. A volunteer board of Carlsbad residents and school leaders governs the Foundation, and an executive director, Diana Aaron, managed the campaign. The Foundation works closely with the Carlsbad Unified School District, whose superintendent and principals defined the technology need.
Why does this site call itself an archive?
This site restores the campaign website as it was captured by the Wayback Machine on 2 March 2001. Original page addresses are unchanged, the published dates and grant deadlines are preserved, and the design has been rebuilt with modern accessibility and search-engine standards. It documents a finished campaign rather than a current fundraising drive.
Where did the money go?
Into classroom technology: equipment, software, materials, training, and services requested by Carlsbad teachers, plus school-wide projects such as local area networks and new computers. One documented example is the Lancer Express newsroom at Carlsbad High School.
Who could apply for a technology grant?
Individuals, teams, or whole schools from any Carlsbad Unified School District school. Every application had to be reviewed and signed by the principal. Applications were typed, included specific equipment quantities, and were mailed as nine copies to the Foundation.
How were grant decisions made?
The Foundation reviewed each proposal against four criteria: support for the curriculum, expansion of technology use, reach across a wide range of students, and insight or creativity in improving learning. Final decisions rested solely with the Foundation, which could partially fund a request or attach conditions.
How did the campaign raise money?
Through corporate, service club, and individual contributions, seed money from the Foundation, sponsorships, equipment donations, and event proceeds from the Telethon, Taste of Carlsbad, Carlsbad 5000, and San Diego Marathon.
Were donations tax-deductible?
The campaign was run by the Carlsbad Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization. This archive does not contain the Foundation's current tax status or determination letter, so donors should confirm deductibility with the Foundation and a tax adviser before giving.
What events did the campaign run?
The 2001 calendar included the San Diego Marathon in January, the Kids Are Worth A Million Telethon on 22 March, Junior Carlsbad and the Carlsbad 5000 on 31 March and 1 April, and Taste of Carlsbad on 2 June.
How can I contact the Foundation?
The published campaign contact is Diana Aaron, Executive Director, at (760) 438-0063 or dianaaaron@msn.com, or by mail at PO Box 205, Carlsbad, CA 92018. These are the details printed in 2001 and may have changed since.